For years we’ve wondered how celebrities get and keep their gorgeous looking skin.

Jennifer Aniston can’t really be using those Aveeno products she pitches, can she? Surely it’s something much more expensive that keeps her looking young! Maybe, maybe not.

When we talk celebrity skincare secrets, it’s important to not lose sight of the fact that most Hollywood types (women AND men) have teams of people running around making sure they look good. Hair stylists, makeup artists, dermatologists…Photoshop…all working in concert to be sure our favorite celebs are red carpet ready at all times.

In an industry built on youth and beauty, who can blame them? It is literally part of a celebrity’s job description to be beautiful. So, despite appearances, a celeb’s beauty routine is anything but effortless.

For the rest of us, a team of personal stylists is probably out of reach. And you’re not likely going to take the time to Photoshop cellulite out of your next selfie (or would you?). But that doesn’t mean that we can’t use the tips and tricks from those who do it best.

With help from our researchers, BRI is debunking three myths and sharing three secrets of celebrity skincare!

Princess Kate Middleton

1+2+3+4 CELEBRITY SKINCARE MYTHS…

Actress Jennifer Aniston

CELEBRITY MYTH #1…

“I drink a lot of water.”

While drinking water is good for your health, it’s not an effective way to hydrate your skin. That’s because the water you drink gets absorbed into your bloodstream and is filtered out by the kidneys. It never makes it to the surface of your skin. So you could be drinking a gallon of water a day, but it will have no impact on your skin’s hydration. It can however flush toxins from your system and a system with less toxins can help give your skin a more natural glow.

The easiest way to hydrate your skin and keep it healthy-looking is through the use of an alcohol-free toner that you seal in with a serum containing hyaluronic acid. Water-based gel masks also soothe the skin and quickly deliver water to eager skin cells.

CELEBRITY MYTH # 2…

“I have good genes.”

Our DNA certainly plays a role in certain skin conditions, but it’s really our personal habits that impact its appearance. For example, if the state of our skin were dependent only on our genetics, then we would expect identical twins to age in the same way. But studies have shown that that’s just not the case. Smoking, excessive sun exposure and even alcohol can prematurely age your skin.

To ensure your skin looks young and healthy, protect yourself from harmful UV rays by applying a broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum) to your face, neck and ear lobes, every single day…even if you spend the majority of your time indoors (UV rays come in through the windows too!). Bottom line? Take care of your skin and it will take care of you.

CELEBRITY MYTH #3…

“I try not to wear a lot of makeup so that my can skin breathe.”

Your skin does not actually breath, so avoiding makeup does not benefit the skin in the way that some celebs claim. Wearing makeup is not bad for your skin. In fact, if yours also contains sunscreen, it can have a positive impact because you’ll have even more protection from harmful UV rays. That being said, you should be in the habit of removing all of your makeup thoroughly before bed, which will help avoid breakouts. Actress Rachel Bilson reportedly uses Vaseline as a makeup remover, which is also great for hydrating your lips.

CELEBRITY MYTH #4…

“I only wash my face at night.”

Many celebs say they don’t cleanse their face in the morning since they thoroughly cleansed the night before. Some say they are fearful that over-washing will dry the skin out. But if they’re using moisturizing products designed for their skin type, this shouldn’t be a problem. Our researchers recommend cleansing in the morning with a gentle, sulfate-free, non-drying cleanser followed by a moisturizer containing sunscreen. Actress Halle Berry actually uses coffee grounds in her body wash to exfoliate her skin. That’s one DIY tip that certainly seems to work, because she looks great!

1+2+3 CELEBRITY SKINCARE SECRETS…

CELEBRITY SECRET #1…

When you find a product that works, stick with it.

Celebrities are notoriously loyal to their skin-care products. Changing things up risks possible negative reactions to the new product. If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. You should only mix things up when you’re having problems.

Actress Halle Berry

CELEBRITY SECRET #2…

Get into a facial routine.

Celebrities get facials often – some go weekly. Chemical peels, oxygen treatments, microdermabrasion, ultrasonic exfoliation, LED light, micro current. We’ve talked in our blogs about some of the most expensive facials and the women who love them. Princess Kate loves a Bee Venom Facial and Victoria Beckham loves the Japanese Geisha Facial (which uses bird droppings). For most of us, a weekly Bee Venom facial ($55,000 for a top of the line treatment) is neither practical nor affordable. But you can get into a facial routine at home that will be just as effective.

Actress Victoria Beckham

CELEBRITY SECRET #3…

Stay out of the sun.

As we’ve noted, the sun is the number one enemy of our skin. Make sure you wear sunscreen on your face, neck and ears every day for smooth, healthy-looking skin. Shakira is particularly fond of baby sunscreen – it’s gentle, waterproof and inexpensive!